Breaking: Convicted Philly Hate Attacker Kathryn Knott Sentenced To Jail
25 Year Old Will Serve Jail Time In 2014 Attack On Philadelphia Same-Sex Couple
Kathryn Knott will serve five to ten months in jail for her part in the physical and verbal assault on a Philadelphia same-sex couple that left one of them with his jaw wired shut for months. The daughter of a police chief, Knott was the only one of three friends to decline a generous plea deal and stand trial.
One week before Christmas 2015 Knott was convicted of simple assault, conspiracy and reckless endangerment. She escaped more serious charges of aggravated assault.
“Common Pleas Court Judge Roxanne Covington also handed Knott two years of probation and a $2,000 fine during an afternoon sentencing hearing that concludes a 15-month justice process for the victims, Andrew Haught and Zachary Hesse,” Philly Voice reports.
“Knott broke down in tears as Covington delivered her sentence. Her parents consoled her and hugged her after the sentence was read, and the victims quickly exited the courtroom.”
She also reportedly apologized and asked for forgiveness from her victims.
LOOK:Â Here Are The Anti-Gay Tweets A Judge Just Ruled Can Be Used Against Alleged Philly Hate Attacker
UPDATE I:
Back in December, Knott in court claimed she had not done anything wrong at all. Philadelphia magazine at the time reported on this exchange that had occurred just before the Sept. 2104 attack, during the trial:
“What is that, your fucking boyfriend?,â€Â Kevin Harrigan, unprovoked, yelled at the couple according to Zachary Hesse, the victim who ended up with a black eye, Philly Mag reported. Hesse told the court he responded, “Yeah, so what if it is my boyfriend.”
He said Harrigan shot back in a “tough-guy” tone: “I guess you’re a dirty fucking faggot then.” Hesse approached Harrigan and shouted the same words back at him. Harrigan then pushed him, Hesse testified, and he pushed back. That’s when Harrigan punched him.
Hesse testified the ensuing incident was “terrifying.” He said the group shouted “fucking faggot” and “dirty faggot” constantly; he said it was said “more than 10, more than 20 times.” He threw a punch but it didn’t connect. About six people grabbed his arms, he said in court, and eventually Kathryn Knott threw a punch or slap — he closed his eyes when he saw her open hand coming toward his face — at him while shouting the slur. He identified Knott has his assailant in court.
UPDATE II:
Philly Voice writer Brian P. Hickey tweets:
Victim testified at #phillyhatecrime sntcng of Kathryn Knott said what will haunt him forever was how assailants left him in alley to die.
— Brian P. Hickey (@BrianPHickey) February 8, 2016
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This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.
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